Nutrition and Dietetics OIL project

Project Overview

This project was set up for students to gain international experiences and insight into the role of nutrition in another country. The University of Malta and University of Coventry have partnered up for the past 2 years to enable students to work collaboratively on online tasks to share learning and experiences.

History

In 2015, an initiative at Coventry University was set up to develop global graduates. Academic staff within the Dietetics department established a link with a university in Malta following networking at a conference hosted in Malta the previous year. The aim was to integrate OIL into the current curriculum starting in the next academic year, from September 2015 running until June 2016. Four students from Malta University and four students from Coventry University were recruited to the project. Students worked collaboratively on three separate tasks throughout the academic year, coordinated and facilitated by University tutors. The tasks focused on a Public Health theme, with the learning outcomes aligned with a third year dietetics module at Coventry University and a third year nutrition module at Malta University.

Aim of the Project

The aim is that by the end of the project, students will have enhanced their communication and digital literacy skills through written communication and verbal communication through the use of Skype. They will develop an understanding of the differences and similarities in culture, and the role of the dietitian in another country.

OIL Activities

Skype conversation, use of PADLET, online blogging site, written and verbal communication

OIL Outcomes

Students will gain greater understanding of the partner country and the cultural norms of that country, gained through discussions with their peers
Students will gain greater awareness of international issues in nutrition and health through readings, videos, and discussions
Students will learn about and develop an appreciation of differing opinions on public health issues in their own country and the partner country through readings, videos, and discussions
Students will improve their presentation and communication skills, through communicating with each other
Students will develop the capacity to apply international standards and practices within the field of public health nutrition